Composite deck- gaps to close - how to resolve this problem

We just got deck built from a non-licensed contractor. The decking material is solid wood composite by Veranda. The contractor did a great job except that he did not leave enough space for the decking board to expand. Manufacturer suggests that their should be at least 3/16 gap between two boards. The contractor has used hidden fasteners. He is saying that there is no way he can fix that. Is there any way we can trim the decking boards without removing them. Can we use small circular saw while protecting the two board with some kind of a metal sheet and do the edges with a zig saw? Thanks for your help. Miva

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I wouldn't think so. To get through the whole board you would cut into the hidden fastener.
It sounds like the decking would need to all come off and be redone.
This is the opposite of a great job in my opinion.
Ron

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You could try to cut it back. Unfortunately, it will look like total crapola.
I do not suggest that you even consider that as a viable option.

I am compelled to state this:
Mistake # 1: Using an inexperienced contractor.

Now aside from all that -

Question: What type of hidden fastener system did this hack use?

Some hidden fasteners are essentially brackets, with sharp prongs. One end contains the sharp prongs, that are imbedded into the boards, the other end is fastened to the joist with a screw.
Now, not all the hidden fastener systems out there are like that. Some can be more complicated.

It's obvious, that a hack's first answer to you is going to be: It can't be removed and re-done correctly. Why? Because the hack knows that such a situation, requires that he do all the removal and re-installation for "free", since he messed it up to begin with. So, I would not trust his answer; that it cannot be re-done.

I think that you should:

1.) Find out the type of hidden fasteners used, and look into it's "attachment" design.

2.) If it looks do-able, consider carefully attempting to do it yourself..without the help or notification to the hack.

I'd say, to give it a try re-doing them all. Be aware, that by spacing the boards, (as they should have been: 3/16"), that you will have to purchase additional stock to re-cut and install at certain locations.

Good Luck

BTW: I don't know if I'd call him a "contractor". Spacing those boards is Deck Building 101. Any contractor with a clue knows to space boards (non PT) for drainage.

We are in New Jersey, when the decking boards were installed in December the temperature were between 30-35 degress. In summer it goes up to 98 degrees. According to Veranda, the gap should be at least 2/16".

We are in New Jersey, when the decking boards were installed in December the temperature were between 30-35 degress. In summer it goes up to 98 degrees. According to Veranda, the gap should be at least 2/16".

ewww...Composites shrink in the colder, drier seasons, then expand in the warmer humid seasons.

Personally, I'd just leave it for now. The expansion may not be that bad.

There is no sense in doing alot of additional work, if the boards don't end up expanding that much. IMHO: Wait and see...

ewww...Composites shrink in the colder, drier seasons, then expand in the warmer humid seasons.

Personally, I'd just leave it for now. The expansion may not be that bad.

There is no sense in doing alot of additional work, if the boards don't end up expanding that much. IMHO: Wait and see...

I agree. I would leave it alone for now. Those fasteners look like that may allow a little give when the boards expand and contract. I have a trex deck and I hardly seen any difference in the gap sizes between summer and winter.